Motorcycle Repair: Bike not fully charging then killing after about an hour of riding., regulator rectifier, v45 sabre

Question
Hi there,

First of all, thank you for offering this service.  Well, I have a 1982 Honda 750 V45 Sabre and have been having issues with it ever since I bought it a year ago.  The issue is that the bike won't start own its own.  In order to start it, I have to charge the battery up (it only charges to about 8 volts when the charger says its fully charged) but then the bike dies after about an hour of riding.  And the cycle continues. I have had a new battery put into it, two new starters, starter solenoid and had the carburators cleaned.  After all of this, I am still back to the same point (needless to say, I am a little frustrated with the recommendations from my mechanic). Anyways, the last time I had the bike out, the regulator/rectifier burned a hole in the bottom of my seat.  I'm wondering if this could be the whole issue and should try and replace it.  I would love to hear your input and any suggestions you might have.

Thanks,

Nick Walker

Answer
Hi Nick,

The charging system needs tested to verify the defective component(s).

I suspect the regulator-rectifier and/or alternator is defective.

Perform an output test and check the reg/rec.

I return tech information files by email. There was no email with this question as requested in my instructions.

Respectfully,
Mark Shively